Entertainment

Why Australia stops for 3.5 minutes on Melbourne Cup day

UPDATE: Tuesday, Nov. 3, 3:15 p.m.: For the first time in history, the Melbourne Cup has been won by a female jockey. Michelle Payne on the back of Prince Of Penzance has won the Melbourne Cup.

The Melbourne Cup is known as "the race that stops a nation," and for a bunch of horses running around a track in a matter of minutes, it sure is a big deal in Australia.

After all, this is a nation where a taxidermy of the country's greatest-ever race horse, Phar Lap, was an incredibly popular museum exhibit. Melburnians even get the Nov. 3 race day off with a state-wide public holiday, and a parade through the city on Nov. 2.

For foreigners wondering why Australian Twitter is going mad for three and a half minutes on Tuesday, or for those Aussies living under a rock, here's a run down so you can get up to speed before 24 horses thunder down 3,200 metres (10,499 feet) of turf at 3 p.m. AEDT.

What is this Melbourne Cup thing?

Always run on the first Tuesday in November, the Melbourne Cup is Australia's most significant horse race.

First held in 1861, top thoroughbreds from around the world will take off in front of huge crowds at Melbourne's Flemington Racecourse. It's an internationally-respected race, and the A$6.2 million (US$4.4 million) in prize money is not too shabby either.

Although inter-city rivalries are fierce throughout the year, the Melbourne Cup is perhaps the only time Australians from other parts of the nation will willing spend time and money on something hosted by their southern neighbour.

Jockey Ryan Moore on board Protectionist after the German horse won the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2014.

Image: Andy Brownbill/Associated Press

Why are some people against it?

Although there has always been plenty of bad behaviour on display at the Melbourne Cup as the champagne gets flowing, the main criticisms levelled at the race concern the treatment of the horses and the promotion of gambling.

The animals rights group RSPCA Australia have called the race "the most public form of animal cruelty" for the whipping of horses that takes place. In a press release, the society called for whip-free racing by 2016.

Even greater tragedies have taken place. In 2014, two horses lost their lives. Favourite horse Admire Rakti was evidently under strain during the race, and later collapsed in his stall due to heart failure. Araldo was put down due to a fractured leg that occurred after the horse was spooked by a flag-wielding spectator and kicked a fence. In 2013, another horse was also euthanised due to a leg injury.

"While it is a shock to the people who were at the Melbourne Cup today, it is a common occurrence in racing," Ward Young, a spokesperson for the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses, told Mashable Australia at the time. On Facebook Monday, the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses claimed 127 racehorses have died since the 2014 Melbourne Cup alone.

Others are worried about the promotion of gambling. Australians are expected to lay down more than A$150 million (US$107 million) in bets on the Melbourne Cup, ABC reported. While it's an excuse for guilt-free tipping for some, for others it can be an inducement to gamble more than they should and then, continue throughout the year.

"Online gambling companies use the Melbourne Cup as an opportunity to recruit more new players, and a number of those go on to become problem gamblers," independent Senator Nicholas Xenophon told the outlet Tuesday. "Not because of the Melbourne Cup, but because of all the product inducements ... they offer."

#MelbourneCup fever is gripping the nation but if gambling is a problem seeking help is your best bet. Call1800 858 858 for free counselling

How does Australia celebrate?

To be succinct: Drinks, hats, more drinks.

The fashion on the field is always a key feature of the Cup. It's a chance for the ladies to break out the hats and gowns, and for men, that colourful suit and pocket square they've been saving for a special occasion. It's also a key opportunity to have beer poured all over the expensive garb.

Even Melbourne Cup fashion has a storied history. In 1965, British model Jean Shrimpton attended the race wearing a minidress — shocking the nation with a glimpse of her knees in an incident that made headlines around the world.

It's not always that exciting. The glamour usually starts here.

Racegoers looking bright and fresh at the 2014 Melbourne Cup.

Image: Andy Brownbill/Associated Press

And ends around about here.

The aftermath.

And here.

Feeling the effects of a long day in heels.

One last word of advice

For those attending the race — or one of the thousands of parties going on around the country — remember to bet wisely, take a pair of flats in your bag and have all the apps you need ready and downloaded on your phone.

Mashable
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